Rotterdam will have the greenest building in the Netherlands this year. SAWA, a residential block of 50 meters , will be made of wood and with the aim of reduce CO2 , improve biodiversity and create a circular building with affordable housing for an inclusive community.
The outstanding feature of SAWA is that is built entirely with CLT (Cross-Laminated Wood), so the use of concrete is reduced to a minimum. This makes it the first tallest wooden residential building in Rotterdam and in the healthiest of the Netherlands.
"SAWA, also known as the 'healthiest building in the Netherlands', is a model project for new generations, an important step in the sustainability goals and demonstrable proof that things can be done differently," Mieke Winkel of Mei architects and planners & Nice Developers said in a statement.
A building made 90% with wood.
A GREEN CONSTRUCTION
Its generous green terraces reinforce the idea of biodiversity in a neighborhood, that of lloydkwartier , where concrete has been very present.
SAWA's innovation lies in bringing together all the elements that help build a 50-meter-high residential building whose main structure will be composed for more than 90% Cross-Laminated Wood (CLT) that comes from trees from sustainably produced forests (for every tree that is felled, three are replanted). The other materials used are, as far as possible, biobased and have a traceability passport.
The wood will be left exposed as far as possible in the houses and in the galleries and balconies . Only where it is necessary (storage, toilet and bathroom) will it be finished with plaster.
And something very interesting for the future is that SAWA is built with a modular wooden construction , using dry solutions that do not need casting, so that each of the elements used in its construction can be separated and reused in the future.
Also, is based on the principle of open construction : The main support structure consists of floors, beams and columns. This creates a high degree of flexibility and design freedom and contributes to future-proofing the building.
Affordable housing for all.
IN COOPERATION WITH ECOLOGISTS
One of the strengths of SAWA's design has been the cooperation of city ecologists and biologists. This is reflected in, for example, planting being site-specific and chosen in such a way that plants provide food for animal species . Nesting boxes will be placed in the building to provide a safe haven for birds and insects.
“We build the city with love for the neighborhood and nature . Pioneers in a sustainable way, respectful with nature and social. We develop SAWA from and for the neighborhood. SAWA gives something back to the city”, adds Mieke Winkel.
SAWA is not only the healthiest building in the Netherlands, it is also energy neutral both before and after its construction. By using photovoltaic panels on roofs in combination with “remote solar power”, sustainable district heating and other sustainable measures, it has achieved an EPC of 0.
When it is finished, its solar panels on the roof will power the elevator, the lighting of the galleries and the supply points for electric cars and bicycles.
See images: Simulated architecture: the whims of mother nature
Located on Loyd's wharf.
LOCATED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF LLOYDKWARTIER
The location will be one of the richest in water in the city, right on the loyd pier . Lloydkwartier has a rich maritime past dating back to 1900. Lloyd's Wharf is named after the shipping company Rotterdamsche Lloyd , which built a terminal on the wharf from which its passenger ships departed for the east of the world.
In addition, the district is characterized by a mix of architecture: from converted monumental warehouses and old port monuments to unique new buildings.
Thanks to the multitude of cultural and culinary points, the proximity of the city center, the Lloydkwartier has gone from being a harsh port area to becoming a popular residential neighborhood and gastronomic destination, in just 15 years.